New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-06-12
OBITUARY..
BISHOP WILLIAM BACON STEVENS,

PHILADELPHIA, June IL (SpcciaD.-BIshop Stevens,
NJ D.. ID. D.. III. d. died at 9:10 this morning He nsd
been in feeble health for past but his trouble
did not assume serious aspect until week ago WITHIN
the past few days strong hopes entertained OF his
recovery but last night he began sink and It became
evident that his death was but question OF short time
wilnam Bacon Stevens born IL Bath Me-. on July
49, 1915 He began professional life physician and
practised medicine for about five years in Savannah
Before completing his medical studies he made tour
around the world While practising In Savannah he was
confirmed by Bishop Elliott and under him he pursued
his studies as candidate for holy orders On
entering the Episcopal ministry, In 1874 he at once
became prominent leader in the Evangelical OF Low
Church party Of the Episcopal Church. and he was In
active sympathy with that party all his life, although as
he grew older he became tolerant in his attitude
toward the other great parties In the Church His nrst
charge Athens, Ca Later he was chosen PROBES
sor OF Bellies Leres OratOry and Moral Philosophy In
the University. He founded Emanuel Church at Athens
and occupied the pulpit there until called 70
St Andrews Church, Philadelphia In 1867
Dr. Stevens Assistant Bishop of the diocese OF
vana which then much larger In territory
than 1t is now On the death Of Bishop Alonzo Potter
he the fourth Bishop OF Pennsylvania on July
A. 1865 In the year the diocese OK Pttsburg was
created and in 1871 the diocese OF Central pennsylvania
was also created 1868 Bishop Stevens was appointed
by the presiding Bishop take charge OF the Episcopal
churches in Europe, which position he held for six
years. being succeeded by Bishop Little"hn In 1874
During episcopate Bishop Stevens had considerable
trouble with the extreme High Churchmen OF his diocese
especially with ST. Clements Church, Philadelphia. But
though he at all times strong party man ne re-
tanned the respect and esteem OF those most opposed 10
him. little year ago his Increasing leeDieness
made the appointment: of assistant necessary ana
DR. Phillips Brooks chosen. DR.. BROOKS, however,
declined the honor and then the Right Kew; Dr. oIi
william Whitaker Bishop Of Nevada was elected as
sstant Bishop with the right OF succession SlhGe .ne
Bishop has done little active work ON January
1882 Bishop Stevens celebrated the twentieth ann
Andrews Church. Philadelphia, or when church ne nau
been rector before he became bishop In MS MI;
church. nearly thirty four years ago. there were ~ Tue
Protestant Episcopal Church In the whole stare OF fen
sylvania 100 cergynen or when ninety ~
died. when c0nsecrated, TOOK my pace AT Tue
end OF list Of thirty eight living bishops Of tnat num-
ber thirty four have since died. and nttyseVen bishops
have been elected since that day or the l|9 cergy
comprising the convention at which was elecoeu
bishop yenyour dead, only thirty eght are now
the diocese and only nine now occupy the same PoSi
Kshop stevens was voluminous writer and he leaves
| a number OF unpublished works. Among them are an
exhaustive treatise SILK Culture In Georgia. Two
volumes OF Historical elections. prepared Dy MN as
historian of the state of Georgia. and devoonal WORK
on he PARALLELS or Onr Lord His "Charges anu
Memorial Sermons" delivered upon specis occasons
OF the church Among those which have
been published are his charges mpon the
Uneyelopcd Powers Of the Church on in on
OF the Clergy and laity and his memorial see %
F.hop Bowman, Bishop Potter, William welsh ana J.
y Conynghan. lie attended with a number OF 9ther
American bishops the second conference o t. -,
bishops held at Lambeth on July 2, 1878. WINE III
Great Britain he preached IN Westminster Apoey tie
discourse he tine society FOR Propagatng
tn, n M N ia I77th anniversary. lie also preached
In Canterbury Cathedral and in the ROYAL Chape savoy,
London At the request Of tho Archbishop or canterbury
and the English bishop Blshop oloVehs -, panis
closing sermon the Lambeth Conference III >" f"u
Cathedral. London.